House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Higher Education Covid-19 update
03 December 2020 · Department for Education
Proposed by Michelle Donelan Con Chippenham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government is implementing a five-week staggered return plan for university students starting January 4th.
- Prioritization is given to students on practical courses and placements for the initial return.
- Financial support of up to 20 million is being provided for testing and other measures.
Issue summary
The statement addresses measures to ensure a safe return for university students following the winter break during the pandemic.
Action requested
The government is implementing a five-week staggered return plan for students, prioritizing those on practical courses and placements starting from January 4th. The rest of the student population will gradually return from January 25th onwards. Asymptomatic testing upon arrival and financial support up to £20 million are also being provided.
Key facts
- Students can start returning to universities in five-week staggered periods.
- Practical courses and placements students will return first starting from 4 January 2021.
- Other students will gradually return from 25 January 2021 over a two-week period.
- Universities are required to set up asymptomatic test sites for all returning students.
- Up to £20 million is available as one-off financial support for disadvantaged students.